Film: Bohemian Rhapsody

This is front-man Freddie Mercury’s story, told through the eyes of those who knew him, mainly his Queen band members. It’s a look at his life as a teenage son of an Indian immigrant, from his desperation to express himself while at art college, to his longing to perform, how he met the rest of Queen and how fame and fortune affected him in the most cliqued way. Or at least it’s a version of events. I’m unaware of the true facts which takes nothing away from enjoying the shiny, hit-packed spectacle unfolding on the big screen.There had been a few stories about casting and in the end, Rami Malek as Mercury nailed it.  Although, mostly I had to take a double take every time the Brian May (Gwilym Lee) character was on screen. Bohemian Rhapsody has it all; fall-outs with management, the record company and each other. However, it shies away from what can be described as the seedy side of Mercury’s life towards the end although you are left with little uncertainty of how it played out. Bohemian Rhapsody is a 12a after all.I wonder how much of the rejection depicted from his father in particular was true and how much Mercury really rejected his own background, such as his fathers mantra 'good thoughts, good words, good deeds' and eventually changing his surname too. (Although, fair play, Freddie Mercury is an excellent stage name). I think you can please both your immigrant parents and embrace the culture of your new country, though I was bought up in slightly different times.I adored witnessing his relationship with Mary, both before and after he came out. There relationship is a whole story on it's own. However, the most emotion I felt was actually during the longer than expected Live Aid scenes but that’s because that was a special day for me anyway. The only people that may find less joy here than me are non-Queen fans; anyone who loves music like I do will enjoy Bohemian Rhapsody. 7½/10